I am also really particular with the ability of the radios that I used on these trips. A reliable handy is compulsory as we do not want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. We travelled to some remote parts of Borneo (Malaysia & Indonesia). In short, this model is dirt cheap, and it does the job I want. That and the broadcast quality audio have made a surprised convert out of me. I also own some radios by the big names, but tend to use the UV-5R most, thinking if it breaks or if I lose it I'm not out much. In fact, most lids have the very best equipment, though, thankfully, the reverse is not always true. Expensive equipment does NOT equal operating skill. I personally know hams with top licenses in numerous countries/languages who are proficient in CW at 45 wpm who only use a UV-5R. None have yet to impress me with their homebrew skills. Many hams officiously suggest one must spend a lot of money to be a ham. Another examiner and I give them as gifts to new hams, and over the years, they all still work. When he found it in the spring, the truck wouldn't turn over, but he clicked the UV-5R on and immediately worked the local repeater. One examiner's UV-5R was mistakenly left behind in a parked pickup truck all winter in temps as low as -46. While not quite as durable as an Icom 2AT, you'd be surprised how much abuse it can take in terms of heat and cold and shock. You can read the Version number by referencing the instructions.which become more readable with every upgrade by Baofeng. Intermod and selectivity issues are a thing of the past. If you get a fresh/new radio today, it is vastly improved. The first UV-5Rs look the same as the new, but have earlier engineering. When a young man who has spent his life in the dark can become completely proficient with a radio in just a few hours, that counts big!īetter still, the radio itself is being constantly upgraded in terms of both software and circuitry.

I recently gave an exam to a visually-impaired op, and for a mere $35 he had a radio with voice readout. More hams on fixed income, retired, shut-ins and Handi-Hams have gotten on the air with this one single radio than any other in history.

Baofeng us dealer